We check in with people at each stage of the cash transfer process to see how things are going. Take a look at some of their stories as they appear here in real-time.
Learn more about how recipients opt in to share their stories.
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2nd Payment
Transfer Amount
53150 KES ($481 USD)
access_time 3 years ago
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How is your life different than it would have been if you never received the transfer?
Life generally is different than it was before receiving the help from Give Directly. My grandchildren and I are happily living because of the transfer that we got, secondly, I used my transfer in acquiring a solar panel and we have light even at night not as before when we used to stay in darkness, I also managed to compete my house which I had started using the 1st transfer. Unlike before receiving the transfers, my grandchildren have school shoes and two pairs of school uniforms each. I am so happy and grateful for this great opportunity that impacted my life amazingly.
In your opinion, what does GiveDirectly do well, and what does it not do well?
Words cannot explain the support that GiveDirectly is giving to the needy; it lifted our lives and that of village people too. In my opinion, I feel that GiveDirectly should review their terms and reconsider us next time.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I am a widow taking care of my 6 grandchildren who are orphans. The elder grandchild completed his secondary education and he is doing some casual labour to earn a living, two are in secondary school while three are in primary school. These children solely depend on me as far as their academic and well-being is concerned. On receiving the money I took some of it and paid school fees for the children since they were on and off school due to school fees. I also bought four goats though 2 goats died. I also completed the roof of my house which I had started using the 1st transfer. Having been using paraffin for a while, which was very expensive, I decided to buy a small solar panel and as at now my grandchildren are using it in conducting their studies. I also bought some food which has been sustaining us up to now.
Initial Payment
Transfer Amount
55000 KES ($508 USD)
access_time over 3 years ago
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Describe the moment when you received your money. How did you feel?
I learned that I had received my first transfers at around 9 in the morning when I was at the farm together with my grandchildren. I was extremely happy on receiving such great news and I even couldn't concentrate. While at the farm we even started dancing and praising God for the blessings. I remember telling my grandchildren to return home and extended the celebration since it was like a miracle to all of us in the entire household.
Describe the biggest difference in your daily life since you started receiving payments from GiveDirectly.
For all those years I have been living in a poverty life more so my house, it was very small and in very critical condition. Some of its walls and collapsed and its roof could leak excessively whenever it could rain. During that period, I used to seek assistance from my neighbors whose houses were quite far from my home. This was so tiring and stressful at but I knew God will see us through someday and no situation is permanent in life. Therefore after receiving my cash transfers I had to prioritize constructing a decent spacious house. I am now happy becasue after all, what I went through during these days has come to an end. We are now living peacefully as a family under one roof which makes the biggest difference in my life.
What did you spend your most recent transfer(s) on?
I spent part of my first transfer on buying building materials which include building poles, threads, timber, pieces from sheets, and nails. I bought all these intending to construct a new house becasue the initial one was small and almost collapsing. Also, I paid the mason KES 12000. In addition, I already have school fees for my grandchildren who are in primary school. With the amount of money, I bought enough foodstuff for the family,
Enrolled
access_time over 3 years ago
What does receiving this money mean to you?
My house is just braving the strong wind of our area and I am always worried that it may collapse anytime. I have wished to construct a decent one but due to financial challenges, this has never been possible to me. Receiving this money means a better house for me because I plan to spend utmost $300 of my first transfer to have the house constructed. The remaining amount of the first disbursement will help me to buy a modern bed and a mattress to replace the old ones which never give me nice sleep. On the other hand, I intend to start livestock keeping that will help me in the future whenever needs arise. I, therefore, plan to use $450 on my second transfer to buy 3 indigenous dairy cows that will provide me with milk to sell and for my consumption. The remaining amount will support me to buy some very basic needs like food.
What is the happiest part of your day?
Being at home in the evening after work is the happiest moment for me since I get enough time to rest. The resting re-energizes me most for the next day's work. Unlike in the morning and afternoon hours when I get involved in my strenuous work of charcoal burning. Therefore, the evening is the happiest part of my day.
What is the biggest hardship you've faced in your life?
At my age of 66 years, I am still forced to engage in charcoal burning as my source of income. This is because I am a widow and I lack someone to support me financially. In most cases, I experience chest pains and the worst thing is when I lack money to seek medication. I, therefore, consider financial instability as the biggest hardship that I have ever faced in my life.
